One of the most talented musicians I know- who happens to be a mighty nice guy as well – is a former voice student of mine named Zachary Scot Johnson. And if for some reason you’re not willing to take my word for it, then go on to YouTube, type Zachary Scot Johnson Song a Day into the search bar, hit return, and you will be confronted by irrefutable proof!
Zach’s “Song a Day” project began several years ago when he embarked on an odyssey that as far as I know has not been duplicated. Every single day, seven days a week, fifty two weeks a year, Zach video-records a different song ….. some of them his own but most the songs of others ….. usually on his own but sometimes with collaborators of one kind or another. And there are thousands of people who tune in each and every day to hear what that day’s song is.
I’m one of them!
Well, to be perfectly honest it does slip my mind from time to time – which means I sometimes have to play catch-up. One way or another, though, whether I’m watching them one song per day or binge watching to catch up, I always come away newly impressed with Zach and his talents. What is especially amazing to me is how many different instruments Zach plays – and how very well he plays them!
Although the vast majority of songs feature Zach on his own, he does feature guests from time to time …. and not just his own musical buddies like Jeff Ward and Mark Paffrath. He has also managed to corral such luminaries as Melissa Manchester, actor Jeff Daniels, and Paul Stookey (of Peter, Paul and Mary) – just to name three. And as you watch any of these particular performances, you can’t help but know how intensely Zach loves to make music ….. and what a born collaborator he is. It’s a joy to see.
Well, if you tune in to his Song A Day Project today (July 6th) for episode #1400, you will see me, Kathy, and our good friend Kate Potter Barrow joining Zach in a wonderful Garth Brooks song called “The River.” We recorded it in the choir room at Holy Communion with almost no rehearsal beforehand, save for a simple run through just to make sure nothing too catastrophic was going to happen. But pretty much from the first measure, we knew that it was going to be great- and it was! Kate and Kathy and I agreed that it had been quite a few years since we had sung this song together (maybe as long as ten years) – but it happens to be one of those songs that buries itself in your bones and never leaves you. And its lyrics carry a wonderful message about how life is meant to be sung boldly and joyously. “Choose to champ the rapids, we’re told “and dare to dance the tide!”
When I suggested this song to Zach as a good choice for our collaboration, it never even dawned on me how appropriate these words are for Zach himself and this entire exciting adventure – both his Song a Day Youtube project as well as the impressive career he has carved out for himself as a highly regarded professional musician! Zach, may you continue to chance the rapids! And thanks for letting Kathy, Kate and me come along for a moment in your exciting ride!
